Meghan Markle's 37 best looks in honour of her birthday

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August 03, 2018

Happy birthday, Meghan Markle! It's been a magical year for the newly minted Duchess of Sussex – from getting engaged and marrying her Prince Charming to attending her first official outing as a duchess. And as she rings in her 37th birthday on Aug. with Prince Harry by her side, Meghan has a lot to celebrate.

In anticipation of all that's to come, click through for a fashion-focused photo album that celebrates Meghan's journey so far – and her ever-evolving style!

Long before Meghan was attending royal engagements, she was a regular on the red carpet. The model turned actress – best known for playing paralegal Rachel Zane on legal drama Suits – was often spotted at high-profile events, charities and even in the front row at New York Fashion Week. The L.A. native's style was California cool with a touch of polished glamour, whether she was in a sophisticated sheath dres or a '50s-inspired frock. Her early sartorial choices hinted at what would become her signature style – clean silhouettes, a penchant for solid colours over bold prints and classic stilettos. "She always seemed to pick more timeless styles, focusing on the elegance of the garments with a youthful approach," Canadian designer Nina Kharey of NONIE said.

Sept. 11, 2013

The Suits star attended a charity event in New York City, experimenting with a bold geometric print while sticking to her preferred silhouette.

Sept. 25, 2017

After months of speculation, Meghan made her first public appearance with Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in Toronto. Shortly after, the couple announced their engagement, with Meghan wowing in a stunning white coat. Meghan and her stylish ensembles made headlines, and so did the designer she chose to wear. With the help of best friend and stylist Jessica Mulroney, Meghan wore Canadian labels like LINE, Birks, Aritzia, Mackage and Sentaler. Fashion journalist Jeanne Beker noted: "She quickly rose to future occasions with sartorial propriety and a good measure of political correctness as well, helping to celebrate so many talented Canadian designers she'd been relying on since she started working on Suits and made Toronto home."

Nov. 27, 2017

Meghan stepped into the spotlight for the official royal engagement photo call wearing a gorgeous white coat by Canadian label LINE.

March 23, 2018

Leading up to the royal wedding, Meghan continued to create a fashion frenzy with who and what she wore. She even paid tribute to her new adopted home by wearing British designers like Stella McCartney and Emilia Wickstead. "Meghan's style became more refined, but in every essence still holds her signature look: chic and contemporary," Bojana Sentaler, fashion designer for luxe outerwear brand Sentaler, said. "Her hemlines dropped a tad as she eased into her major new role and began establishing herself as a bona fide international fashion icon," Jeanne added. Much like the "Kate Effect," anything Meghan wore quickly sold out, and her Midas touch was unofficially termed the "Markle Sparkle"!

April 18, 2018

Attending a reception with delegates of the Commonwealth Youth Forum, Meghan wore a striped Altuzarra dress with a Camilla and Marc blazer and Oroton bag.

May 19, 2018

Officially assuming her new role as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan quickly transitioned into dressing the part – and looked perfectly regal doing so. The newlywed's first appearance was at the Prince of Wales's 70th birthday garden party at Buckingham Palace, where she wore a ladylike blush pink dress by British label Goat – a favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge – and a Philip Treacy hat. For the events that followed, Meghan favoured a softer colour palette of blush pinks, creams and neutrals, her demure wardrobe marking a new chapter in her life. Adhering to the royal fashion protocol, the duchess traded her cool and casual ensembles for elegant fascinators, sleek clutches and nude tights.

May 22, 2018

Meghan looked every bit the duchess as she arrived at the Prince of Wales's 70th birthday garden party at Buckingham Palace wearing a dress by British label Goat.

Meghan embarked on her first overseas trip with Prince Harry, to Ireland, where she showed off major style moments by big fashion hours like Dior, Prada and, of course, Givenchy. Meghan once again returned to her favourite silhouettes and signature style by choosing structured, fitted dresses, pant suits and mididresses. The tour was also a snapshot of what lies ahead as the couple take on more international trips this fall. "Meghan's style will continue to evolve as she brings a contemporary approach to royal protocol. She knows exactly who she is, and her value in the Royal Family will change history," Bojana added.

July 10, 2018

Meghan headed off on a royal tour of Ireland with Prince Harry, attending a reception at Glencairn in Dublin wearing an elegant Emilia Wickstead dress.